Botswana is set to take over the presidency of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). The ceremony of assumption was held today at 1600hrs in an event of ECOSOC’s Organizational Session. The country is represented by Botswanaβs Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, His Excellency Mr. Collen Vixen Kelapile.
The term for Botswana’s leadership of the Organ will be from July 2021 until July 2022. The Council has a rotating membership which comprises Fifty-four (54) Members, elected by the UN General Assembly. This will be the first time that Botswana assumes the Presidency. Previously, Botswana was a Member of ECOSOC during the periods of 1983-1985, 1991-1993 and 2012-2016.
“As the President of ECOSOC, Botswana will be expected during the 2022 Session to provide strategic leadership to the Council. In this leadership role, the country will among others, preside over the Sustainable Development Goals Summit, Youth Forum and the Forum on Financing for Development.” The Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation asserted.
The Botswana ECOSOC presidency is expected to create opportunities for six (6) young people who will “participate in an internship programme that will support Botswanaβs ECOSOC Presidency.”
ECOSOC is one of the six (6) principal organs of the United Nations System established by the UN Charter in 1945. It coordinates economic, social, and related work of the fourteen United Nations specialized agencies, functional commissions and five regional commissions. It serves as the central forum for discussing international economic and social issues, and for formulating policy recommendations addressed to Member States and the United Nations system. It is responsible for: promoting higher standards of living, full employment, and economic and social progress;identifying solutions to international economic, social and health problems; facilitating international cultural and educational cooperation; and encouraging universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
